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Hi, I went to start my 49 yesterday and the starter kept running after I released the key. The car didn't start but if it had I might have had problems! Should I check the relay that is on top of the starter? Possibly run a file over the points? What should I do to prevent this from happening this spring? thanks, Dave
Hi Dave, I am not an expert but had the same problem with my '52 a while back. It was a while ago but I think the problem was the push rod on the solenoid needed adjusting. I am not sure what the correct method is to adjust it but the piece that attaches to the arm that actuates the solenoid screws in and out. It shouldn't get out of adjustment unless you have had the solenoid off and that piece got moved. Or could be the plunger is sticking and the spring doesn't push it back. Might just need cleaning.
If the above fixes don't help, you may need to rebuild your starter.
Good Luck
Steve
I had this problem with my 53 Firedome a couple of months ago. A NOS starter solenoid cured it after endless other attempts. Found one on eBay. The failed starter worked on the bench but stuck "on" in the car.
These starters have dual coils in the solenoid. If the coils are shorted together inside the solenoid the starter will run continuously if there is a cranking load. Unloaded, on the bench, they work correctly. As you might imagine, it took some experiments to figure this out.
If you can borrow a known good solenoid to test your starter (in the car!), you can confirm that's the problem.
John Boyd
San Diego, California
Member National Desoto Club and Airflow Club of America
drjohn96@me.com
1936 S2 Airflow sedan (1)
1937 Chrysler Airflow sedan (2)
